1.4.2 Procedure on Protocols, Guidelines, Handbooks, and Manuals
Related Minnesota State Board Policy: 1A.1
Related Minnesota State Board Procedure: None
Purpose: The process through which the departmental protocols, guidelines, handbooks, and manuals outside of official policies and procedures are created, revised, and approved is outlined in this procedure.
The definition of college policies and procedures can be found in Policy 1.4. In addition to Normandale’s official policies and procedures, some departments may choose to create protocols, guidelines, handbooks, or manuals to support their work.
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Protocol. Protocols are a system of rules, processes, or steps to be followed in defined situations. These usually specify who does what, when, and how. Example: Laboratory Protocols, network protocols, financial protocols
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Guideline. A guideline is a principle or criterion that guides or directs action or guides through a process or task. Example scheduling guidelines, NFR guidelines, Academic Program Review
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Handbook. A handbook is a written document that provides guidance, advice, and useful information on a topic. It may outline or summarize a process or give instruction. Example: The student Code of Conduct, Department Handbooks
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Manual. A manual is a written document of practical instructions on how to do something or how to use something.
Part 2: Creation and Revision of Protocols, Guidelines, Handbooks, and Manuals
Those units or departments that develop and implement protocols, guidelines, handbooks, and manuals will identify an owner of the document [by position] who will be responsible for regularly maintaining the document to ensure accuracy and alignment with the Minnesota State, and/or Higher Learning Commission regulations. The owner must also ensure alignment with college policies and procedures.
The unit or department leader shall evaluate the need for, maintenance of, and updates to all protocols, guidelines, handbooks, and manuals within their purview, while also providing recommendations to the divisional vice president regarding all such materials.
If any documents are created that meet the criteria of a college policy or procedure, found in 1.4, they should be brought to the Policy Committee to begin the proposal of a new policy or procedure process. Otherwise, these protocols, guidelines, handbooks, and manuals are not institutional policy and are not governed by the Policy Committee. Documents that are not institutional policies should not be referred to as “policy” or “procedure.”
Procedure History:
Date of Adoption:
Department / Owner: President’s Office
Date and Subject of Revisions: